Following the stone path

I stopped and scanned the horizon. For a moment I panicked. I could not see the runner in front of me. I wasn’t worried about myself, but where did he go? What could have happened to him? Was he lying among the cactus, injured?

I came to the realization that he was fine, just out of sight.

This small-town Wisconsin girl found herself walking in the desert this morning watching the sun rise over the Organ Mountains. Situated at the base of the mountain is the small village of Organ, N.M, looking over the city of Las Cruces.

Even though I stopped periodically to admire the scenery, I made sure to keep a keen eye on the path and follow the stones that marked the way. The stones guided me safely around the worst of the gullies, cacti and rough ground.

Later while talking to my host, I discovered that he was the creator of the path. He was the one that laid the stones that guided me safely out, and back again. It was thirty years ago that he had laid the path and over the years it has become so well worn that it can be seen on satellite imaging.

Between now and April I will wear it down even more, so if you are checking out the satellite and see a lone walker on the path, know it is me following the stones.

About Cathy Duesterhoeft

Cathy and her husband, Norm, travel throughout the United States in their Brave Winnebago working for Mainly Marathons. When home in Westfield, Wis., their RV is parked on a gravel pad while they finish construction on their new home. Cathy documents their many adventures on her website at www.positiveinfluences.net.